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Common Press

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Location

Common Press is the letterpress and book arts studio at the University of Pennsylvania. With printing presses dating from the 1850’s to the 1960’s and a collection of wood and metal type available for use, the facility provides an environment to learn about the history of the book, to creatively experiment with hands-on analog technologies, to explore the origins of digital typography, and to use the constraints of the letterpress print shop to spark new ways of thinking about their research in any field. Common Press supports movement between digital and manual image making, and exists to support teaching and to facilitate creative projects across the university. Common Press is a collaboration of Penn Libraries, Penn Design, and Kelly Writers House.

Seating

Up to 20, depending on the project

Food & drink rules

No food is allowed in Fisher Fine Arts Library. Beverages in covered containers are allowed.

General access: Members of the Penn community may access Common Press during scheduled workshops and studio hours. You may use the Common Press facilities during Open Hours only if you have completed workshops in Setting Type and Press Use.